Match book folder

ABSTRACT

A match-book folder comprising a sheet of flexible material, the latter being divided into a plurality of flat panels displaceable relative to one another into generally superposed relation. A plurality of matches are connected to at least one of the panels and at least another of the panels is displaceable over the matches such that the latter are interpositioned between the latter said panel and the panel to which the matches are connected. At least one of the panels includes a striking area for flame-inducing operative association with a match. Furthermore, reproducible paper, such as carbon paper, is interpositioned between at least two of the panels so as to transfer an imprint made on one panel to a panel extending in superposed relation with the latter. The folder furthermore comprises a receptacle for detachably receiving an imprinting tool such as a pencil or the like to be utilized in association with the reproducible paper.

United States Patent [1 1 Paraskevas MATCH-BOOK FOLDER [22] Filed: June 4, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 149,955

[52] [1.5. CI. 206/29, 206/DIG. 29 [51] Int. Cl. A24! 27/12 [58] Field of Search 206/29, 46 AM, DIG. 29

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,125,647 1/1915 Campus 206/29 2,623,686 12/1952 Covan 206/29 X 2,712,507 7/1955 Green 206/DIG. 29 2,997,162 8/1961 Mitchell 206/29 2,271,155 1/1942 Rapaport et al.. 206/29 2,157,740 5/1939 Quinlan 206/29 2,254,545 9/1941 Roberts 206/29 3,358,817 12/1967 Will 206/29 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 6,791 4/1933 Australia 206/29 Primary Examiner-Leonard Summer Attorney-Friedman & Goodman [5 7] ABSTRACT A match-book folder comprising a sheet of flexible material, the latter being divided into a plurality of flat panels displaceable relative to one another into gener ally superposed relation. A plurality of matches are connected to at least one of the panels and at least another of the panels is displaceable over the matches such that the latter are interpositioned between the latter said panel and the panel to which the matches are connected. At least one of the panels includes a striking area for flame-inducing operative association with a match. Furthermore, reproducible paper, such as carbon paper, is interpositioned between at least two of the panels so as to transfer an imprint made on one panel to a panel extending in superposed relation with the latter. The folder furthermore comprises a receptacle for detachably receiving an imprinting tool such as a pencil or the like to be utilized in association with the reproducible paper.

8 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTEU 91975 SHEET L UF 3 vl/ZO 20 CHRISTOS s. PARASKEVASI- INVENTOR ATTORNEYS PATENTEDUBT9|9Y3 I 3.763.995

'SHEET EU? 3 CHRISTOS G. PARASKEVAS INVENTOR ATTOR N EYS PATENTE'DBBT W5 1 3,763,995

SHEET 3 5F 3 FIG. l5.

CH RISTOS G. PARASKEVAS ATTORN EYS MATCH-BOOK FOLDER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to matchbook folders, and more particularly to a folder arrangement which incorporates means for selectively imprinting various characters on the folder panels.

As is commonly understood, the conventional matchbook folder incorporates at least a plurality of flat panels which may be folded relative to one another into generally superposed relation so as to at least partially envelop a plurality of matches which are interconnected to at least one of the panels. Furthermore, the conventional match-book folder incorporates a striking area against which one of the matches may be contacted for flame-inducing operative association with one another. Moreover, conventional match-book folders are provided with advertisements or the like for relaying various information to the public.

The conventional match-book folder, however, ha been often modified somewhat so as to include a number of successively adjoining panels which may be folded relative to one another, all of which may be placed into superposed relation with one another such that four or more panels rest on one side of the matches, while another panel rests on another side of the panels, the latter panel being the panel to which therial upon which information may be placed and, therefore, are at a loss when it is necessary for us to record certain information that may be necessary when desired. Very often, there is a tendency to remove a match-book that is generally in our possession and utilize the latter for recording certain information when we lack other suitable means upon which the information may be recorded. However, because of the nature of the conventional match-book folder, there remains very little space upon which information may be properly recorded and, therefore, we are limited to the extent of the quantity of information that maybe placed upon the match-book folder.

Still another problem that most of us are faced with is the fact that we usually do not carry along a pencil or the like for recording certain information. Thus, it is obvious that the public, in general, because of the very fast pace of our lives, generally forgets to appropriately carry material upon which information may be recorded, or material such as a pencil for recording information. However, as indicated above, most of us generally carry along a match-book folder and, therefore, if the latter were appropriately modified in a manner as will be discussed below, pursuant to the present involved in trade secrets and the like often wish to record a trade secret for a nominal period and, thereafter, destroy the information. Thus, the utilization of a match-book folder lends itself readily to this particular purpose in that the match-book folder may be readily destroyed since it is constituted of flammable paper or the like and, thus, the information recorded thereon may be selectively destroyed at will. Again, because of the nature of the conventional match-book folder in that the latter does not provide adequate means upon which information may be properly recorded, the conventional match-book folder is not readily adaptable for receiving secret information to the extent that may be necessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel match-book folder.

It is another object of the present invention to pro vide a match-book folder which incorporates reproducible means for reproducing an imprint made on one of the panels of the folder onto an adjoining panel which extends in superposed relation with the former panel.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a match-book folder which incorporates means for receiving a writing tool such as a pencil or the like in detachable association therewith.

It is still a further object of the present, invention to provide a match-book folder which incorporates a game such as a cross-word puzzle or the like.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a match-book folder which satisfies each of the above objects and which, furthermore, may be readily deformed into a minimal size which corresponds in large measure to that of the conventional match-book folder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS which:

FIG. 1 illustrates generally an elevational view of a completely opened match-book folder pursuant to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates generally an elevational view of a pair of panels of the folder in the embodiment of FIG. 1, upon which information maybe reproduced through the intermediary of reproducible paper which folder is invention, the necessity for carrying notebooks and in a partially closed condition;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side-elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side-elevational view of the match-book folder pursuant to the embodiment of FIG. I in a completely closed position;

FIG. 5 illustrates an elevational view of the matchbook folder pursuant to a second embodiment of the present invention wherein reproducible paper may be directly written upon and both store recorded information and reproduce same on the folder panels;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side-elevational view of that folder illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a generally perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 and in a completely closed position;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate views similar to that of FIGS. and 6 respectively, wherein there are illustrated, panels provided with imprinted lines thereon upon which information may be recorded and between which panels reproducible paper is provided;

FIGS. 10 and I1 illustrate further embodiments of the folder pursuant to the present invention having an enhanced number of panels upon which information may be recorded through the detachably associated pencil therewith; and

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate rear and front views respectively of still a further embodiment upon which cross-word puzzles or-the like are imprinted for operative association with the pencil detachably associated therewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1-4 thereof, there is illustrated a match-book folder pursuant to one embodiment of the present invention. The match-book folder is generally denoted by the reference character and is provided with a plurality of laterally scored folding lines 22. The latter scored folding lines divide the folder 20 into a plurality of adjoining panels 24, 26, 28 and 30 respectively. The folder 20 and, thus, the panels thereof, is generally constituted of cardboard or the like in a manner as is the conventional match-book folder.

A strip of reproducible paper 32, such as carbon paper or other suitable pressure-sensitive paper having rupturable capillaries which release a coloring or imprinting dye is connected to the panel 30 and is interposed between the latter panel and a plurality of matches 34, the latter being interposed between the reproducible paper 32 and a lip-panel 36 extending on the front side of the folder 20.

The lip-panel 36 is provided with a conventional striking area 38 for flame-inducing operative association with a match, and furthermore, in cooperation with the panel 30 defines a receptacle 40 which extends laterally across the folder 20 for receiving a pencil 42 or other suitable pressure-inducing imprinting tool. The lip-panel 36 is fixedly connected to the panel 30 such as by means of a staple 43 or the like for defining the receptacle 40 therebelow. I

The match-book folder 20, pursuant to that embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, may be folded such that the panels 24 and 26 overlie the reproducible paper 32 in a manner as illustrated in FIG. 2. It is significant to note that each of the panels 24, 26, 28 and 30, on the opposite faces thereof respectively, is provided with printed lines 44 which are horizontal in nature, spaced from one another and between which information or the like may be recorded. Thus, the folder 20 when in a position as illustrated in FIG. 2 may be utilized for receiving information such that written notes or the like may be recorded on the lines 44 of the panels 24 and 26 respectively, and the latter information will then be concommittently reproduced by the reproducible paper 32 onto the panels 28 and 30.

Therefore, not only may information be recorded on the panels 24 and 26, but a copy of this information will remain on the panels 28 and 30 respectively. In this manner, the panels 24 and 26 may be severed from the folder 20 and given to one party, whereas the information copied on the panels 28 and 30 will remain on the panels 28 and 30 as a memorial or the like for the recorder. Obviously, the pencil 42, which in press-fit relation, is detachably insertable or removable from the receptacle 40 in the folder 20, may be utilized for recording the information, thus, obviating any necessity for the recorder to carry along with him a pencil or the like when the recorder is in the possession of a match-book folder pursuant to the present invention.

It is significant to note that the entire match-book folder, pursuant to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 may be completely folded into a conventional appearing match-book folder with each of the panels in superposed relation relative to one another in a manner as illustrated in FIG. 4for the purpose of pocketing the latter also in a conventional manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the match-book folder pursuant to the present invention. In this respect, there is illustrated a folder generally denoted by the reference character 50, the latter being constituted by an upper panel 52 and a lower panel 54 separated from one another through the intermediary of a pair of spaced scored folding lines 56. Reproducible paper 58 is interposed between a plurality of matches 60 and the panel 54, whereas the matches 60 are interposed between a lippanel 62 and the reproducible paper 58. The lip-panel 62 is provided with a striking area for flame-inducing operative association with a match and in a manner as discussed above, for the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, is provided with a receptacle 66 in which is detachably associated a pencil 68 or the like.

With regard to the reproducible paper 58, the latter may be constituted so as to receive on one surface thereof recorded information and to transmit the recorded information through the intermediary of the opposite surface thereof which is in contact with the panels 52 and 54 respectively, the opposite surface having rupturable dye-carrying capillaries. Thus, the reproducible paper 58 may then be severed from the folder 50 for transfer to another, while the panels 52 and 54, upon which the copied information has been recorded, will remain in the possession of the recorder for future reference. Similarly, the folder 50 may be completely collapsed in a manner as illustrated in FIG. 7 so as to promote the pocketing of the latter in a conventional manner as discussed above for the embodiment of FIGS. 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is illustrated still a further embodiment pursuant to the present invention in that the latter embodiment includes a folder denoted by the reference character 70 having a plurality of panels between which is interposed reproducible carbon paper. In this respect, the folder 70 includes an inner upper panel 72 and an inner lower panel 74 separated from one another through the intermediary of a pair of spaced scored folding lines 76. Furthennore, the folder 70 includes an outer upper panel 78 and an outer lower panel 80 separated from one another through the intermediary of a pair of scored folding lines 82. Interposed between the inner and outer panels is reproducible paper 83 such as carbon paper or the like for transferring information recorded on the panels 72- and 74 onto the panels 78 and 80 respectively.

Overlying the panel 74 is a plurality of matches 84,

the latter being interposed between a lip-panel 86 and the panel 74. The lip-panel, in cooperation with the panel 80 and matches 84, defines a receptacle 88 in which may be detachably inserted or removed a pencil 90 in a manner as illustrated and discussed above for the embodiments aforementioned. Furthermore, each of the panels 72, 74, 78 and 80 are provided with im printed lines 92 upon which information may be recorded and copied respectively. Thus, the information copied on the panels 78 and 80 will remain as a memorial for the recorder, whereas the information actually recorded on the panels 72 and 74 respectively may be transferred to another for the latters records.

Referring now to FIGS. and 11, there is illustrated still two further embodiments of the present invention in that, in FIG. 10, there is provided a match-book folder 100 having an upper central panel 102, a lower central panel 104, upper side panels 106 and lower side panels 108. The primary difference between the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11 is the fact that in FIG. 10, there are provided a pair of upper and lower side panels 106 and 108 respectively, whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 11, there is only provided one upper and lower side panel 106 and 108 respectively. Each of the panels aforementioned are separated from one another through the intermediary of scored folding lines 110 to permit the latter panels to be displaced relative to one another in generally superposed relation.

The folder 100, pursuant to the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11, is furthermore provided with a lippanel 112 upon which is provided a striking area 114 for flame-inducing operative association with a match. Similarly, with respect to the instant embodiments and those aforementioned, the latter embodiment is provided with a receptacle I16 generally interposed between the lip-panel 112 and the lower central panel 104. The receptacle 116 is provided detachably with a pencil 118 for recording information on each of the panels aforementioned and includes a plurality of matches I20. 7

In operation of the embodiments pursuant to the FIGS. 10 and 11, the user need simply open each of the panels relative to one another for recording information or the like on each of the surfaces exposed and illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 respectively. Thus, information may be recorded and, thereafter, protected simply by refolding each of the panels relative to one another into superposed relation so that the information recorded will remain concealed and preferably secret. Again, the requirement for carrying a pencil or the like for recording information is completely obviated by the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 in that the latter embodiments also are provided with a detachable pencil or the like for recording information selectively.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the latter embodiment includes a folder denoted by the reference character 130. The distinction between the illustrations in FIGS. 12 and 13 is the fact that in FIG. 12, there is illustrated a back surface of the folder 130, whereas in the illustration in FIG. 13, the interior of the folder 130 is shown. The folder 130 is provided with a back surface 132 of an upper panel and a back surface 134 of a lower panel. The lower back surface 134 is provided with an imprinted puzzle or the like, preferably a cross-word puzzle, whereas the upper back surface 132 is completely blank for receiving recorded information or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the folder 130 is provided with an upper front surface 136 upon which may be provided directions for utilizing the crossword puzzle on the lower back surface 134 of the folder 130. Furthermore, the lower front surface 138 of the folder 130 may be provided with answers or the like which are associated with the game or puzzle illustrated on the lower back surface 134 of the folder 130.

In the latter embodiment, in a manner as discussed for the embodiments aforementioned, there is provided a lip-panel I34 upon which is provided a striking area 142 for operative flameinducing association with one of a plurality of matches 144 connected to the lower front surface 136 of the folder 130. Similarly, there is provided a receptacle 146 in which is detachably associated a pencil 148 for use in conjunction with the puzzle illustrated on the lower back surface I34 of the folder 130.

It is noteworthy that each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-13 respectively is provided with greater surface area upon which information may be recorded by means of the pencil operatively associated in press-fit relation with each of the embodiments as aforementioned.

As those skilled in the art readily appreciate, the folders are generally constituted of paper or the like which is quite flammable and, thus, any information which may be secret and requires destruction thereafter may be readily destroyed simply by igniting one of the matches and subjecting the flame thereof to the remaining matches and the readily inflammable folder of each of the embodiments. Thus, duplicate information may be recorded in certain of the embodiments pursu ant to the invention by means of a pencil which is always available and, should the necessity arise, the secret information may be readily destroyed quickly and effectively. As indicated above, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be provided with a crossword puzzle or other suitable game, which game may be readily practiced by means of using the pencil detachably associated therewith. Similarly, in the latter embodiment, information may be recorded on the writing space area of the upper back panel 132 of the folder 130 and, thereafter, immediately destroyed should the necessity arise in a manner as described above for the other embodiments.

Numerous alterations of the structure herein disclosed will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure relates to a preferred embodiment of the invention which is for purposes of illustration only and not to be construed as a limitation of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A match-book folder comprising at least one sheet of flexible material, means extending in said sheet for defining a plurality of connected panels displaceable relative to one another into generally superposed relation, said panels including at least a first rear panel, a second cover panel and a third lip panel, a plurality of matches connected to at least said first rear panel, at least said second cover panel being displaceable over said matches to interposition said matches between said first rear panel and said second cover panel, said third lip panel being connected to said first rear panel and extending in front of said first rear panel for operative association with said second cover panel for retaining said second cover panel detachably interposed between said matches and said third lip panel, striking means connected to at least one of said panels for flame-inducing operative association with a match, pressure-sensitive imprint-reproducible means disposed between a fourth information panel and at least one of said first and second panels for transferring an imprint from said fourth information panel to said at least one of said first and second panels, a pencil for providing said imprint on said fourth information panel, said firstrear panel and said third lip panel extending in spaced relation below said matches to provide an open receptacle therebetween detachably receiving said pencil, said sheet of flexible material being readily flamable for destroying said match-book folder when subjected to a flame from one of said matches for destruction of said imprint and transferred copy thereof.

2. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said striking means is connected to said third lip panel.

3. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said panels successively adjoin one another, the elongate extent of said sheet including a plurality of spaced parallel laterally scored folding lines constituting said means which defines said panels.

4. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 1 including another sheet of flexible flammable material defining said fourth panel and having an elongate extent substantially the same as that of the first said sheet, said pressure-sensitive imprint-reproducible means being interposed between said sheets.

5. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pressure-sensitive imprint-reproducible means includes color-transferring means for forming imprints on said at least one panel extending in superposed relation therewith, the imprints corresponding in configuration to the pressurized configuration induced on said pressure-sensitive imprint-reproducible means.

6. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 5 wherein said color transferring means includes carbon paper.

7. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 5 wherein said color transferring means includes rupturable dyecarrying capillaries.

8. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said panels are provided with a plurality of spaced imprinted lines extending in fixed orientation with one another and between which said pencil may selectively be utilized manually for forming imprints. 

1. A match-book folder comprising at least one sheet of flexible material, means extending in said sheet for defining a plurality of connected panels displaceable relative to one another into generally superposed relation, said panels including at least a first rear panel, a second cover panel and a third lip panel, a plurality of matches connected to at least said first rear panel, at least said second cover panel being displaceable over said matches to interposition said matches between said first rear panel and said second cover panel, said third lip panel being connected to said first rear panel and extending in front of said first rear panel for operative association with said second cover panel for retaining said second cover panel detachably interposed between said matches and said third lip panel, striking means connected to at least one of said panels for flame-inducing operative association with a match, pressure-sensitive imprintreproducible means disposed between a fourth information panel and at least one of said first and second panels for transferring an imprint from said fourth information panel to said at least one of said first and second panels, a pencil for providing said imprint on said fourth information panel, said first rear panel and said third lip panel extending in spaced relation below said matches to provide an open receptacle therebetween detachably receiving said pencil, said sheet of flexible material being readily flamable for destroying said match-book folder when subjected to a flame from one of said matches for destruction of said imprint and transferred copy thereof.
 2. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said striking means is connected to said third lip panel.
 3. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said panels successively adjoin one another, the elongate extent of said sheet including a plurality of spaced parallel laterally scored folding lines constituting said means which defines said panels.
 4. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 1 including another sheet of flexible flammable material defining said fourth panel and having an elongate extent substantially the same as that of the first said sheet, said pressure-sensitive imprint-reproducible means being interposed between said sheets.
 5. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pressure-sensitive imprint-reproducible means includes color-transferring means for forming imprints on said at least one panel extending in superposed relation therewith, the imprints corresponding in configuration to the pressurized configuration induced on said pressure-sensitive imprint-reproducible means.
 6. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 5 wherein said color transferring means includes carbon paper.
 7. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 5 wherein said color transferring means includes rupturable dye-carrying capillaries.
 8. A match-book folder as claimed in claim 1 wherein said panels are provided with a plurality of spaced imprinted lines extending in fixed orientation with one another and between which said pencil may selectively be utilized manually for forming imprints. 